4-Hers participate in horse show
By Sam Waller
A total of 18 participants took part in the Shackelford County 4-H horse show Saturday, May 7 at the Fikes Arena southeast of Albany.
Competition in judged and timed events was held in three age groups – Clover Kids (kindergarten through second grade), Junior (third through sixth grade), and Senior – as well as a Novice Class.
“It was quite an undertaking,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “I’m just really grateful to everyone who had a hand in making it happen.”
High-point and reserve awards were handed out in each age group with Junior and Senior groups having separate awards for judged and timed events.
In Clover Kids, Reese Nitschke won high-point, with Baigh Bell taking reserve.
In Juniors, Gage Burton was high-point for judged events with Truitt Burton taking reserve. Artie Bell was high-point for timed events with Rainy Nitschke taking reserve.
In Seniors, Faith Fry was high-point for judged events, and Grace Fry was reserve. The Fry sisters reversed the order of finish in the timed events.
Jody Brown of Beeville served as judge for the age-group contests.
Participating in the Novice Class, judged by Suzanne Kelton of Albany, were Landon Kreitler, Tara Cauble, Gibson Ware, Carly Kreitler, and Charlee Patterson.
“The Novice Class was more of an exhibition so we could include what they’re doing in the riding school,” Kelsey Bell said. “They did a simple pattern that showed what they have learned so far.”
Bell said there is no automatic advancement from the county show, but contestants may still compete at the district and state levels.
“4-Hers can just go enter the district contest, and it’s the same way at the state level,” she said.” A few of our kids have intentions of competing at district.”
The District 7 horse show will be June 14 in San Angelo. The state contest is scheduled for July in College Station after the State Roundup.
Photo Contest
Cody Fry was awarded Best in Show for the Leading Line category in the District 7 photography contest.
All Shackelford County 4-H entries received either blue, red, or white quality awards in the contest.
Photos may be viewed on the Shackelford County 4-H Facebook page.
Summer Programs
Shackelford County 4-H will offer a summer art program for club members.
“The arts program will meet once a week,” Bell said. “We’re partnering with the Old Jail Art Center and a lot of local artists who will take a week each. We already have about 25-30 kids signed up.”
Bell said the shooting sports and horse programs will continue through the summer.
Final Meeting
The last meeting of the school year will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at The Feed Store.
Bell said agenda items include planning an awards banquet for the end of the summer and reviewing bylaws.
